After fighting to save their sport from the financial ax this spring, Muskegon Big Reds cheerleaders suffered another blow Tuesday when close to $2,000 worth of their equipment was discovered stolen.
Taken from their coach's car overnight were 26 pairs of brand new athletic shoes, three uniforms and other equipment, including choreography notes for the varsity football “sideline” cheer team.
Coach Lis Smith was devastated when she discovered her black Ford Explorer had been entered and the items taken from the driveway of her home at 1137 Peck.
“These kids depend on me so much; I can't believe it,” Smith said through tears. “I work so hard to make things better for these kids.”
The cheerleaders spent the summer raising money for their uniforms and cheerleading camp. They held car washes and pop can drives and found local business sponsors to support them.
“I feel so violated that someone would do this to me and my kids after all this work,” Smith said.
Smith said she found a deal on the all-white leather Nike Sideline II shoes for $42 a pair, and picked up the shipment at Muskegon High School Monday. The shoes haven't been paid for — Smith was going to collect the money from each girl — and so now Smith faces having to cover the cost herself. Her homeowners insurance will cover the loss only after she pays a $1,000 deductible.
“My family doesn't have that kind of money,” Smith said.
Smith has four young children at home. Her husband, Joshua Smith, is a ninth-grade teacher at the high school.
The theft follows another crisis that faced the 30 cheerleaders, most of whom also participate in competitive cheer, whose program was recommended for elimination due to budget shortfalls.
It was restored, but only after the cheerleaders tearfully implored the school board. Some told school board members cheerleading is what keeps them in school, off the streets or from getting pregnant.
“Athletics is the heart of these kids,” Smith said. “It gives them a reason to go to school.”
Smith said she and her husband are committed to the Muskegon community, and chose to buy a restored historical home in the city. But now, after multiple thefts and fears for their young children, they're ready to leave, she said.
She's hoping the shoes, which say “Go fight!” on the inside and have colored tags that can be inserted into the Nike “swoosh,” turn up soon.
“Our first game is Thursday, and these kids raised this money for the shoes,” she said. “They wanted to look nice.”
